BWI Timeline

BWI HISTORY AT A GLANCE

BWI Marshall Airport set a third straight annual passenger record in 2012. About 22.68 million passengers flew through BWI Marshall in 2012, a 1.3 percent increase over 2011 and a new all-time annual record.

Two new airlines started service at BWI Marshall in 2012. In July, Condor Airlines started twice-weekly season service between BWI Marshall and Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt is a major international destination and an important European hub market. In September, Spirit Airlines began service to Fort Lauderdale and Dallas / Fort Worth.

BWI Marshall installed a 505 kW solar photovoltaic system on the top level of the Daily Garage. The system was designed to produce over 600,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. The BWI Marshall solar project is one measure in a broad energy efficiency program for the Airport.

In the summer of 2012, construction started on a major terminal enhancement program at BWI Marshall. The work will improve and modernize the passenger terminal and provide new services for travelers. The construction includes: a new, expanded security checkpoint; a secure connector between Concourses B and C with moving sidewalks and other passenger amenities; and an improved Concourse C facility with enhanced airline gate hold rooms and new food and retail space.

The Airport continued its comprehensive, multi-year program to rehabilitate and improve runways and airfield pavement. The 2012 work focused primarily on Runway 10-28.

2011

22.39 million passengers flew through BWI Marshall Airport in 2011. This annual passenger traffic figure, an increase of 2.1% over 2012, represents a new al-time record for BWI Marshall.

BWI Marshall Airport installed electric vehicle charging stations during the spring of 2011. The eight charging stations, located in the Daily Garage and the Hourly Garage, allow travelers to charge their electric vehicles.

In September 2011, BWI Marshall closed its two primary commercial runways for one weekend to complete a major pavement maintenance project. The improvement project rehabilitated the pavement located at the intersection of the two major runways.

In November 2011, AirTran Airways shifted its operation from Concourse D at BWI Marshall to Terminal A/B, home of Southwest Airlines. Southwest formally closed on its acquisition of AirTran in May 2011.

Delta Air Lines moved its operation from Concourse C to Concourse D in December 2011.

21.9 million passengers flew through BWI Marshall Airport in 2010, a new all-time annual record for passenger traffic. That figure was a 4.7% increase over 2009.

BWI Marshall Airport was named the best in the world for passenger satisfaction among airports serving 15-25 million passengers, according to the Airports Council International (ACI), Airport Service Quality survey.

BWI Marshall Airport celebrated 60 years of service to residents and businesses of Maryland, and to travelers from around the world. Since its dedication as Friendship International Airport on June 24, 1950, the Airport has been a leader in commercial aviation for the State of Maryland and the entire National Capital region.

The Maryland Board of Public works approved a contract for BWI Marshall Airport to implement a comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program. The energy performance contract will generate substantial energy and operational savings. Specific energy conservation measures will include: a new 505 kW solar system on the top level of the BWI Marshall Airport Daily Garage, comprehensive lighting improvements, energy infrastructure replacement projects at the Airport’s central utility plant and main terminal building, and the installation of modern water conservation measures.

BWI Marshall Airport began the C-D Apron Reconstruction Project, a $41 million project to reconstruct and replace pavement on the aircraft ramp and taxilane located between Concourses C and D. Funding for the project included a $15 million Federal Aviation Administration grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The USO of Metropolitan Washington and BWI Marshall Airport celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the USO International Gateway Lounge. More than 600,000 military service members and their families have used the facility at BWI Marshall Airport since it opened in December 1999.

Over 21 million commercial passengers flew through Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in 2007. This traffic figure, an increase of 1.7% over 2006, represents a new all-time record for BWI Marshall.

BWI Marshall installs several flight tracker and weather display monitors throughout the passenger terminal. The monitors provide a real-time, visual image of air traffic and weather conditions.

BWI Marshall ranks fourth-highest in overall passenger satisfaction among medium-size airports, according to the 2008 North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

BWI Marshall is showcased in a list of the "Top Ten Easiest U.S. Airports To Get To" by Aviation.com. Created for business travelers, industry analysts, and aviation enthusiasts, the site ranked BWI Marshall the tenth easiest U.S. airport for access.

The food and retail concessions program at BWI Marshall is again honored by industry publication Airport Revenue News with the 2007 award for "Best Overall Concessions" in the medium-sized airport category.

20,698,967 commercial passengers flew through BWI Marshall Airport in 2006. This figure, an increase of 4.8% over 2005, represents an all-time record for passenger traffic.

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), Airfield Lighting Committee, recognizes BWI Marshall Airport as its Air Carrier Airport of the Year. IESNA's Airfield Lighting Committee selected BWI Marshall based on an airfield project that installed specialized lighting to enhance safety and assist in aircraft navigation.

2006

BWI Marshall's concessions program is heralded by Airport Revenue News with the 2006 award for Airport with the Best Concession Program. In addition to the overall award for Airport with Best Concession Program, several individual operators were recognized: Fire & Ice, Jos. A. Banks, Borders Books, and Hudson News were all singled out with their own awards in the annual competition. BAA Maryland is responsible for the subleasing, design, construction, tenant coordination, and management of the airport's food and retail program.

BWI Marshall ranked among the best North American Airports for Passenger Satisfaction. The J.D. Power and Associates and Aviation Week study ranked BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport third in overall passenger satisfaction among medium-sized (10 million to 30 million passengers) airports. The study measured overall airport satisfaction based on eight specific performance factors - airport accessibility, check-in/baggage check, terminal facilities, food and beverage, retail services, baggage claim, and immigration/customs control.

BWI Marshall served as the primary repatriation site for American citizens evacuating Lebanon. During this time 19 flights carrying 4,492 repatriates arrived at BWI Marshall. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Department of Human Resources (DHR), and BWI Marshall worked together to coordinate services provided to the repatriates arriving from Cyprus.

New Terminal A/B facility officially dedicated at BWI. The 510,000 square foot facility provides for 11 new gates for Southwest Airlines, which connect to 15 current gates on Concourse B creating a compact, 26-gate concourse facility. Terminal A/B also includes in-line baggage screening and additional passenger screening checkpoints to help expedite screening procedures. A number of new food and retail concessions are also available.

BWI's name officially becomes Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Recognizing the achievements and the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, an exhibit chronicling his life and career is displayed on the upper level of the BWI terminal.

BWI serves as first of 115 U.S. international airports using the outgoing US-VISIT process. Designed and implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology process is used to confirm the identity of travelers entering and exiting the U.S. via air travel. All international airports perform incoming US-VISIT functions; BWI is test airport for the outgoing system.

Free Arrival Waiting Area, also known as the Cell Phone Lot opens at BWI. The lot provides drivers with about 50 short-term parking spaces as they await cell phone contact from arriving travelers. The lot is an alternative that saves drivers time, while limiting traffic in front of the Airport terminal during construction.

BWI's second skywalk opens to the public, connecting the terminal (at Concourse B) to Level 6 of the Hourly Garage. This is the second of three skywalks to be completed and opened to the public. The skywalks provide quick, safe and convenient access to and from the main terminal.

Tripling the number of parking spaces available close to the main terminal building, BWI opened the new Daily Garage. Located at MD 170 (Aviation Blvd) and Elm Road, the garage offers 8,400 spaces and was constructed with "Smart Park" technology. "Smart Park" is an automated guidance system intended to make finding a space quick and easy. At the time of opening, BWI was the only East Coast airport to mount ultrasonic sensors over each parking space to monitor the availability of spaces.

Joseph Paul Malandrino, Jr. replaces Arnold Cole as the new Federal Security Director at BWI. Prior to his role at BWI, Mr. Malandrino managed the operations department at Washington Dulles-International Airport, with responsibility for airport security.

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) announces BWI as a winner of the 2002 Perpetual Pavement Award. To qualify for this prestigious award, a pavement must meet strict criteria and demonstrate Hot Mix Asphalt's long-life characteristics, excellence in design, quality in construction and value to the traveling public. It also must have been constructed at least 35 years ago.

Southwest begins transcontinental service from BWI to San Diego and San Jose.

BWI earns top honors at annual Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest in the categories of Photography, Public Relations Campaigns and Television Advertising. BWI also awarded second place in the Marketing Campaigns category and third place for Color Print Advertising.

Rest and Recuperation Leave Program begins at BWI for Operation Iraqi Freedom service members and Department of Defense civilians. The program allows members on 12-month orders to take a 15-day break from the mission with free air travel to the United States and Europe.

The BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department receives the 2003 American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Valor Award. BWI's nomination for the national honor was based on their superb performance over a 12-month period, in 2002 and 2003, when the department responded to an airfield record of 2,726 calls.

BWI's first of three skywalks opens to the public. The skywalk at Concourse D connects the Airport terminal with Level 6 of the Hourly Garage. The skywalk provides quick, safe and convenient access to and from the main terminal.

BWI opens $134.8 million Consolidated Rental Car Facility, centralizing the operations of eight different national rental car companies. The 47,000-square-foot customer service building and 22-acre parking garage simplifies the system of getting travelers to and from their rental cars.

For the second year in a row, ACI-NA data shows BWI as the fastest growing airport among the 30 busiest in North America.

Paul J. Wiedefeld named new Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration. Mr. Wiedefeld, 46, previously held the position of vice-president for the engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff, Quade and Douglas, Inc., managing the company's Baltimore Office.

BWI becomes first U.S. airport to have federal security screeners working at checkpoints and airline jetways.

Maryland Board of Public Works approves a $10.2 million contract for the construction of a customer service building within the new Consolidated Rental Car Facility at BWI.

Maryland Board of Public Works approves a $3 million contract for the demolition and re-construction of Pier A to create a 31-gate continuous concourse for Southwest Airlines Co. This project signals the beginning of major terminal expansion at BWI.

BWI named the fastest growing airport among the 30 busiest in North America.

Groundbreaking for BWI's five-year, $1.8 billion expansion program.

BWI becomes first airport in the U. S. to implement high-tech parking guidance system, BWI Smart Park, and the only metro-area airport with technology allowing customers to prepay for parking service (Pay-and-Go).

BWI is credited with being one of the most powerful economic engines in Maryland, generating $6.5 billion and 85,000 jobs for the state's economy.

AirTran Airways joins BWI's list of service providers with three daily non-stop flights between BWI and Boston and three daily nonstop flights between BWI and Atlanta.

BWI serves two million passengers in a single month for the first time in July, then again in August.

Total passenger traffic reaches more than 20.4 million, a new record for the eighth consecutive year and 3.9 percent increase compared with 2000 totals

First de-icing pad complete, accommodating simultaneous de-icing for up to five commercial jet aircraft, included is a 600,000-gallon storage tank and transmission pipeline between the de-icing pad and tank. Construction on second de-icing pad, adjacent to Runway 15L/33, begins.

First new gates of Pier C expansion in use, renovations continue.

BWI Observation Gallery officially opens to the public with enthusiastic response to the Gallery and the Smithsonian Museum Shop.

United Airlines adds daily non-stop service to San Francisco, with connections to Hong Kong, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei and Tokyo.

Total passenger traffic at BWI reaches nearly 13.2 million, eclipsing the previous mark set in 1994. The combined commercial passenger increases of 2.7percent at BWI, in 1995, exceed the 1.4 percent growth rate reported for U.S. airline traffic nationwide, as reported by the Air Transport Association (ATA).

BWI breaks ground on $27.6 million expansion to extend Pier C, bringing six additional domestic gate positions to the terminal. Southwest Airlines Co. signs up for all six new gate positions.

Airfield capacity at BWI boosted with completion of extension to Commercial Runway 10/28. The 10,500-foot expansion enables the airport to handle long-haul air traffic in most weather conditions.

Construction begins on $140-million international terminal to handle projected traffic increases into the 21st century. The new wing will add six gates, more ticket counter space, and expands the existing U.S. Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Service facilities.

Over 12.8 million passengers served by BWI Airport in 1994, an all-time high nearly 36 percent more than the previous year.

New, four-level parking garage, located in the front of the main terminal, opens Sept. 16th. Total cost of the project is $29 million. The garage features space for rental car facilities and 2,800 parking spaces to ease drop-off/pick-up traffic congestion.

New General Aviation Center opens on the east side of BWI to meet the needs of private and corporate aircraft users, includes an executive terminal, parking and hangar facilities and a 3,600-foot general aviation runway.

1980

BWI Amtrak Rail Station opens, serving passengers throughout the Northeast Corridor. BWI becomes first airport in the U.S. to have a rail station on airport grounds.

Passenger terminal renovation complete, the most dramatic work of the airport's modernization. BWI more than doubles in size to 635,000 square feet, gate positions increase from 20 to 27. Total cost of project: $70 million.

BWI Development Council established to support initiatives for airport development.

1974

First phase of BWI modernization complete at a cost of $30 million; upgrades include: improved instrument landing capabilities and runway systems and construction of three new air cargo terminals, expanding the airport's freight capacity to 110,000 square feet.

1973

Plan to upgrade, improve and modernize all Maryland airport facilities is announced by Secretary of Transportation, Harry Hughes. The airport is renamed Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to reflect its role as the transportation center of the region.

1972

The State of Maryland, through the Department of Transportation (MDOT), purchases Friendship International Airport from the City of Baltimore for $36 million. Under MDOT, the State Aviation Administration takes over airfield operations and grows from three employees to more than 200.

Construction on new airport begins and is officially named Friendship International Airport.

1946

Master plan for a new airport in Maryland complete. The Baltimore Aviation Commission selects 3,200-acre site in the vicinity of Friendship Church, Anne Arundel County, 10 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles north of Washington, D.C.

1930

Eastern Air Transport Company, now Eastern Airlines, inaugurates first scheduled passenger service from Logan Field.

1929

Regular airmail service begins.

1921

Logan Field, the first commercial aviation facility in Maryland, opens in Baltimore.

1906

College Park Airport begins operations. Today, it is the oldest operating airport in the United States.

1784

Edward Warren, at the age of 13, makes first recorded manned flight in the United States, in a balloon, over the City of Baltimore.